Columbia University and IDOC?

[Sayuri09]

<p>Hi, I'm new here, so I hope I'm posting this is the right place, haha.</p>

<p>So, I've heard that Columbia University does not use CollegeBoard's IDOC for their financial aid system. But on their financial aid website, it says that one of the requirements for a financial aid application is tax returns and W-2 forms mailed to the IDOC. Is this just something that needs to be done as a follow-up to the CSS PROFILE? Also, since Columbia doesn't use the IDOC, wouldn't we need to send our tax returns and W-2 forms directly to the school, then? And they also say to send non-filer certification to IDOC if either the parent or the student will not file a tax return to IDOC, but the link is to a Columbia-specific form for 2009; not sure what that's about either.</p>

<p>Sorry if these are silly/stupid questions; I'm the first in my family to tackle this whole financial aid mess, so the process is a bit overwhleming for me.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

[thumper1]

<p>

I’ve heard that Columbia University does not use CollegeBoard’s IDOC for their financial aid system. But on their financial aid website, it says that one of the requirements for a financial aid application is tax returns and W-2 forms mailed to the IDOC.

</p>

<p>

2010 Tax Returns & W-2 Forms
Once you have completed the CSS Profile you will receive an IDOC number directly from the College Board. </p>

<p>•College Board IDOC Cover Sheet
•Signed copies of parent & Student 2010 federal income tax returns and W-2 forms. Please do not send state tax returns. (If either you and/or your parents will not file a 2010 federal tax return, you must submit a Parent Non-Filer certification and/or a Student Non-Filer certification.
•Additional Forms:
◦Business/Farm tax Documents
■Sole proprietors must submit Schedule C and/or Schedule F (Farm).
■Corporations must submit K-1s, as well as the complete federal 1120/1120-S returns.
■Partnerships must submit K-1s, as well as the complete federal 1065 returns.
◦Noncustodial Parent tax return and W-2s.
◦Letter of special circumstances
Mail to:
The College Board IDOC
PO Box 4017
Mount Vernon, IL 62864

</p>

<p>The above is FROM the Columbia website. It looks like the DO use IDOC.</p>

<p>Where did you HEAR that Columbia does NOT use IDOC? If they say they DO on their website, then they DO. </p>

<p>If you really aren’t sure then CALL THEM ON THE PHONE AND ASK.</p>

<p>Regardless…if they use IDOC, you will get detailed instructions on what to submit to IDOC and how to do so.</p>

[Sayuri09]

<p>Thanks for the answer, thumper!</p>

<p>Columbia’s financial aid website actually says that they do not use IDOC ([Apply</a> For Aid | Columbia University Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid and Educational Financing](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/finaid/forms/apply.php]Apply”>Apply for Aid | Columbia Financial Aid and Educational Financing)):</p>

<p>

First Year Applicants (Early Decision, Regular Decision, Transfer, and Combined Plan)</p>

<p>Please refer to the How to Apply pages for Early Decision, Regular Decision, Transfer and Combined Plan instructions, deadlines and application materials (CSS Profile, FAFSA, taxes, etc.) </p>

<p>You may track your Admission and Financial Aid applications online via Admissions Online </p>

<p>Please note that Columbia does not participate in the College Board’s IDOC program for first-time applicants, including Transfer Applicants. As a result, all application materials should be sent directly to Columbia University

</p>

<p>I guess I’ll email them?</p>

[thumper1]

<p>Agreed…it’s confusing. Call them and ask…then do whatever they tell you to do.</p>